Carrying case for defibrillator and accessories

ABSTRACT

A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case hinge is constructed for greater structural integrity when the case is open, and to have a flush-mount profile when the case is closed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to defibrillators for cardiac resuscitation and,in particular, to carrying cases for defibrillators.

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening medical condition in which thepatient's heart fails to provide blood flow to support life. Adefibrillator can be used to deliver defibrillating shocks to a patientsuffering from cardiac arrest. The defibrillator resolves this conditionby delivering a high-voltage impulse to the heart in order to restorenormal rhythm and contractile function in patients who are experiencingarrhythmia such as VF (ventricular fibrillation) or VT (ventriculartachycardia) that is not accompanied by spontaneous circulation. Onetype of defibrillator, the automated external defibrillator (AED),differs from manual defibrillators in that the AED can automaticallyanalyze the electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm to determine ifdefibrillation is necessary. The defibrillator analyzes the ECG signalfor signs of arrhythmia. If VF is detected, the defibrillator signalsthe rescuer that a shock is advised. After the detection of VF or othershockable rhythm, the rescuer presses a shock button on thedefibrillator to deliver a defibrillation pulse to resuscitate thepatient.

Defibrillation must be delivered very soon after the onset of cardiacarrest in order to be effective. It is estimated that the chance ofsurvival falls by 10% for every minute of delay to defibrillation beyondfour minutes after cardiac arrest. Hence, AEDs are designed to be usedby first responders, such as firefighters, police, or lay bystanders,who are the most likely to arrive at the patient's side first. Once anAED is brought to the patient, the rescuer must deploy and use itquickly. Such quick use is often challenging, because the rescuer may beunfamiliar with the AED's setup and operation.

External defibrillators act through electrode pads applied across thechest of the patient. The electrodes adhesively attach to the patientand are used both to acquire an ECG signal from the patient's heart andto apply the defibrillating shock. AED electrodes commonly are formed bylocating a foil or metalized electrode between a flexible nonconductivebacking and a conductive adhesive gel. The conductive adhesive attachesthe electrode securely to the patient. Gels, however, will dry out(desiccate) over time and have a finite shelf life. A typical shelf lifefor an electrode with gel adhesive is about two years, after which theelectrodes must be replaced. Some AEDs use electrodes which are simplyreplaced when the safe shelf life period has expired. Other AEDs have aninternal self-test circuit which periodically tests the electrodes anddetects desiccation by an impedance change. For self-test electrodes theelectrodes are electrically connected to each other to form a continuousclosed loop circuit that is tested. The closed loop circuit is brokenwhen the electrode pads are deployed for use.

In the case of both self-tested electrodes and non-self-testedelectrodes, it is typical that the electrodes will be connected to theAED while stored prior to use so that the rescuer does not need toconnect them during the emergency; they are already pre-connected andready for use. Pre-connected electrodes are commonly stored inside aprotective container that is the same or co-located as a carrying casefor an AED, so that the electrodes are protected from puncture or damageduring storage, yet are instantly available for deployment when the AEDcase is opened.

Some AEDs also include accessories which aid in the administration ofcardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during the rescue. For example, theQCPR meter, sold by Philips Electronics North America, is a puck-likesensor which is placed on the patient's chest, and over which manual CPRcompressions are applied. The QCPR meter contains force and motionsensors which provide an indication of the quality of the CPR appliedvia a signal cable to a defibrillator.

The AED may also include a pediatric mode accessory that, when appliedto the AED, causes the AED to analyze and provide therapy appropriate topediatric patients. The pediatric mode accessory may be shaped like akey which is inserted into an AED socket for use. When not in use, thekey is stored elsewhere in the carrying case.

In addition, AED carrying cases may also include a fast response kit,which contains such rescue items as sterile gloves, scissors for cuttingclothing away from a patient's chest, a razor for shaving excess chesthair, and a rescue breathing shield. A spare battery for the AED, spareelectrode set, and written user guide may also be included in thecarrying case.

Prior art AED carrying cases suffer a number of problems. First, thecover and handle on some prior art carrying cases hamper the applicationof therapy to the patient. Handles typically consist of strapping, whicheasily tangles with other gear stored or carried by the rescuer,delaying deployment. Handles may also be arranged to cover the AED coverlatch, which may impede the ability of a glove-wearing rescuer to openthe cover. Carrying case lids, when open, may be disposed such that theycan easily be stepped on and broken by the rescuer, kicked shut by therescuer, or otherwise impede access to the patient lying alongside. Allof these characteristics serve to delay therapy.

Next, some carrying cases are arranged such that important contents arenot visible at the time of deployment. A fast response kit, for example,may be stored in a separate pocket from the AED. A rescuer using such acarrying case may be delayed in finding and/or deploying the kit duringrescue.

Prior art carrying case latches may be insufficiently robust to preventinadvertent opening when the case is dropped, thus exposing the contentsto damage or otherwise delaying the rescue. Some latches are simplyVelcro closures.

Prior art carrying cases may be ill-disposed for ease of cleaning andchecking of the contents, presenting risk of cross-contamination andmal-function during the next rescue. For example, some prior art AEDcarrying cases have no internal trays that are removable for cleaning.None have any means of testing internal components, such as a CPRguidance device or the defibrillator push buttons, prior to the rescue.If the AED contained in the carrying case has a ready-for-use indicatoron its face, the case window may be too small to allow easy viewing ofthe indicator.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a carryingcase for a defibrillator is described which enables more rapiddeployment and use during a cardiac rescue. Improvements include arelatively stiff and curved handle that is disposed at a 90 degree angleto both of the case hinge and the case latch. The shape and stiffness ofthe handle act to prevent entanglement with other gear during storageand removal. The orientation of the handle allows for use of the handleduring rescue while simultaneously avoiding interference with latchactuation and lid opening.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a carrying case isdescribed having a relatively rigid protective base and lid shell,connected by a double articulated hinge. The hinge is disposed suchthat, when in the open position, the carrying case base and lid areessentially co-planar. The case cannot be inadvertently closed while inthe open position, and by the nature of the hinge, resists damage ifstepped on while in the open position. A novel case seal between lid andbase is described that prevents damage to any AED electrode or CPR meterwires that protrude from the case when the lid is inadvertently closed.Thus, the invention provides increased robustness and ease of use duringrescue.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a carrying caseis described with an improved arrangement of contents. All materialrequired for cardiac rescue is immediately visible once the carryingcase is opened. Provision for compact storage of electrode and CPR meterwire bundles is provided. Spares and other non-essential material arehidden, thus minimizing confusion during rescue. An automatic turn-onfeature in the carrying case can optionally activate the defibrillatorwhen the case lid is opened. An improved seal between lid and base isdescribed which prevents pinching of wires if the lid is inadvertentlyclosed during use.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a carrying caseis described having improved ability to check and clean the cardiacrescue contents. The case may comprise an internal CPR meter holdingbracket, a CPR meter test fixture, a light pipe for wider-angle viewingof a ready-indicator on an internal AED, a defibrillator button testerand/or trays removable for cleaning and/or replacement.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a carrying casewith an improved closure latch is described. The latch is a rigid andhinged mechanism which consists of a spur and catch assembly that isheld in positive engagement by a second hook and lock assembly. Thelatch may be opened with one hand and in one motion, and can be closedand locked by simply pressing the mechanism shut. When closed and lockedthe latch pull is flush to the carrying case for ease of deployment fromthe case storage location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate a defibrillator carrying case constructedin accordance with the principles of the present invention, in theclosed and open positions respectively.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b illustrate a preferred carrying case storageconfiguration for non-emergency spare battery and electrodes,respectively, which are hidden from sight during emergency use. FIG. 2 cillustrates a preferred embodiment of the carrying case interiorarrangement.

FIG. 3 a is a detail view of an exemplary carrying case latch assembly.FIGS. 3 b and 3 c illustrate the latch assembly opening action.

FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of an exemplary carrying case hingeconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.FIGS. 4 b AND 4 c illustrate the action of the hinge in concert with thecarrying case halves.

FIG. 5 is a detail view of a carrying case handle constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 6 a is a detail view of an exemplary carrying case seal as disposedon the top and bottom carrying case halves. FIG. 6 b illustrates theanti-pinch feature of the case seal.

FIG. 7 is a detail view of an exemplary carrying case light pipe forconveying the ready indication light signal from an internal storeddefibrillator to the exterior of the case.

FIG. 8 illustrates the carrying case in use during a cardiac rescue.

FIG. 9 a illustrates a CPR meter storage bracket for holding a CPR meterinside the carrying case. FIG. 9 b illustrates an alternate embodimentof a CPR meter storage bracket, which comprises features to allowtesting of a stored CPR meter.

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a carrying case further comprisinga defibrillator push button tester.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIG. 1 a, a defibrillator carrying case 100 accordingto the principles of the present invention is shown in the closedposition. The carrying case 100 is sized to contain and protectcomponents needed for a cardiac arrest rescue, such as an AED withpre-connected electrodes, a CPR meter, a fast response kit, andassociated spares, not shown. The carrying case 100 protective surfacesconsist primarily of two case halves; a base 200 and a lid 300. Base 200and lid 300 are fabricated of a lightweight and substantially rigidstructural material, such as plastic, metal or a composite material. Thematerial resists puncture, abrasion, water ingress and shock to protectthe interior contents. In a preferred embodiment, base 200 and lid 300are constructed of molded structural foam polypropylene or likematerial. Base 200 comprises four base walls 212 and a base bottom 214,together forming a base interior region 210. Similarly, lid 300comprises four lid walls 312 and a lid top 314, together forming a lidinterior region 310.

As shown in FIG. 1 a, a hinge 400 connects the carrying case halvestogether across one wall base wall 212 of base 200 and one lid wall 312of lid 300. Latch assembly 500 is disposed across base 200 and lid 300across a different base wall 212 and lid wall 312 opposite the hinge 400to securely hold the carrying case halves in the closed position. Arigid or semi-rigid and arcuate handle 600 is attached at both endsacross a carrying case side adjacent to both the carrying case 100hinged side and the latched side. Each of the hinge 400, latch assembly500, and handle 600 are disposed such that all surfaces contacting thecarrying case are flush with the carrying case surfaces when the case isclosed.

FIG. 1 b illustrates the carrying case 100 in the open position. Thebase walls 212 and base bottom 214 together form a base interior regionbase interior region 210. Similarly, the lid walls 312 and lid top 314together form a lid interior region 310. A removable base tray 800 maybe nested inside base interior region base interior region 210, and aremovable lid tray 820 may be nested inside lid interior region 310.

Lid 300 or lid tray 820 may also comprise a case opening indicator 720,preferably a magnet, which is affixed to the lid. So located, indicator720 overlays a corresponding case opening sensor inside portabledefibrillator 110 only when carrying case 100 is closed. Portabledefibrillator 110 senses an open lid by the absence of indicator 720,and thus turns itself on. It is noted that a feature that automaticallyturns portable defibrillator 110 off upon the shutting of lid 300 shouldbe avoided, in order to prevent unnecessary delay and confusion involvedwith an inadvertent lid closure, and unintended defibrillator shutdown,during rescue.

Additional detail of the interaction between latch assembly 500, base200 and lid 300 is shown in FIG. 1 b, wherein base 200 is disposed witha case beveled catch 211 and base lock 213 which correspond to a beveledspur 511 and latch hook 515 respectively on latch assembly 500. FIG. 1 balso illustrates an anti-pinch case sealing mechanism, comprisingopposing base seal edge 216 and lid seal edge 316, formed along theexposed edges of base walls 212 and lid walls 312 respectively.

The relatively rigid nature of the handle and the flush-mount design ofits attachment to the carrying case 100 provide a smooth carrying case100 profile shape of the case. Because carrying case 100 is typicallystored in rescue vehicle compartments with other gear, the smoothoverall profile and lack of mount protrusions allow the rescuer to graspand pull the carrying case 100 out of the compartment without foulingother gear. Similarly, the latch mechanism and hinge are disposed to beflush to the carrying case 100 when closed and will not catch on othermaterial when the carrying case 100 is pulled from the compartment.These features save precious seconds and reduce time to defibrillation.

The particular placement of the rigid handle 600, latch assembly 500,and hinge 400 on separate sides of the carrying case 100 solves severalproblems unaddressed by the prior art. By locating the handle away fromthe latch, the access to and operability of the latch is improved,especially for heavily gloved responders. By locating the handle awayfrom the hinge, the handle is available for use in repositioning thecarrying case 100 even when in the open position.

The present invention also improves the utility of the carrying case 100when it is deployed next to a cardiac arrest patient. FIG. 8illustrates. A rescuer 10 typically takes position alongside the pronecardiac arrest patient 14 in order to provide CPR and monitoring of thepatient. A portable defibrillator 110 stored within carrying case 100 isdeployed on the patient to provide electrotherapy. Portabledefibrillator 110 must be oriented such that its display can be easilyviewed by the rescuer, and so is typically placed alongside thepatient's head such that the bottom of the portable defibrillator 110display is toward the rescuer. In this position, carrying case 100offers the advantage that in the open position, the orientation of thehinge at the top of the portable defibrillator 110 display results inlid 300 always extending away from the rescuer and also cannot be openedto lie on the patient's face. It can be seen in FIG. 8 that thisadvantage applies even when the rescuer deploys the portabledefibrillator 110 on the other side of the patient.

In the open position, carrying case 100 is more stable and robust thanprior art carrying cases. As shown in FIG. 1 b, base 200 and lid 300 aresubstantially co-planar in the open position. The hinge 400 design,described in more detail below, allows lid 300 to rotate to 180 degreesand greater, and also allows for a slight and beneficial lateralmovement from base 200. Thus, when open, the top surface of lid 300contacts the same surface as the bottom of base 200. This provides amore stable platform for the rescue contents. The lid 300 in thisposition cannot inadvertently be kicked shut. In addition, the lateralmovement feature provides enhanced resistance to damage because, ifstepped on, hinge 400 will merely self-adjust the orientation of base200 to lid 300 instead of breaking.

The height of the base wall 212 and the lid wall 312 need not be equalto achieve the aforedescribed advantages. However, the design of hinge400 can be somewhat simplified if the base wall 212, lid wall 312 areequal, because the top of lid 300 and the bottom of base 200 willcompletely contact the resting surface when carrying case 100 is open.

Several other advantages are offered by the carrying case 100 exteriorfeatures. The design of carrying case 100 promotes ease of maintenance.Light pipe 700 conveys a ready status light signal from an interiormounted AED to the carrying case 100 exterior. Light pipe 700 includes ameans for diffusing the transmitted ready status light 111 signal,thereby making the indicator visible over a much wider angle of view.FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of light pipe 700, wherein the meansfor diffusing comprises etching or sandblasting an exterior surface 710of light pipe 700. The other surfaces of light pipe 700, preferablyconstructed of clear acrylic or like material, are polished. The etchingserves to diffuse the transmitted light signal over a wide angle, suchthat visual checks of the internal AED can be completed without openingcarrying case 100.

Removable base tray 800 and lid tray 820 also promote ease ofmaintenance in the carrying case 100. Cardiac rescues typically involvebodily fluids and other contaminants, which must be removed fromequipment after each use. Base tray 800 and lid tray 820 can easily beremoved to clean the interior surfaces of carrying case 100.Replaceability of base tray 800 and lid tray 820 also offers otheradvantages, such as replacement of a damaged tray, reconfiguration if adifferent internal equipment configuration is needed, or if there is notime for cleaning prior to the next cardiac rescue.

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b and 2 c illustrate a preferred embodiment of thearrangement of carrying case 100 interior contents. Carrying case 100 isgenerally configured such that when the lid 300 is opened, the rescueequipment that is most immediately needed is visible to the user andready to use. Equipment that is not immediately needed is hidden fromview in order to reduce clutter and confusion. FIG. 2 a illustrates anembodiment of carrying case 100 wherein a spare battery 112, normallynot needed at the beginning of a cardiac rescue, is stowed behind a CPRmeter storage bracket 922 and subsequently hidden from view by a storedCPR meter 140. FIG. 2 a also shows an electrode storage slot 912 that isinstalled at the handle-end of carrying case 100 for containing apre-connected set of electrodes 120. Electrode storage slot 912 secureselectrodes 120 in an instantly-visible and accessible manner. Co-pendingand co-assigned U.S. application Ser. No. 12/827,142 entitled “PINCHCASE FOR DEFIBRILLATOR ELECTRODE PADS AND RELEASE LINER”, fullyincorporated herein, describes a preferred embodiment of electrodestorage slot 912 and electrodes 120 which can be employed in carryingcase 100.

Both of electrode storage slot 912 and CPR meter storage bracket 922 areshown in FIG. 2 a as installed in base tray 800 within base interiorregion 210. However, it is understood that either fixture may also beinstalled directly into base interior region 210 without the need forbase tray 800 at all.

FIG. 2 b illustrates the relative arrangement of portable defibrillator110, CPR meter 140 and electrodes 120 within base interior region 210.portable defibrillator 110 is disposed to the right side, CPR meter 140disposed on CPR meter storage bracket 922 in the center, and electrodes120 disposed in electrode storage slot 912. Each is instantly visibleand accessible when portable defibrillator 110 is opened. In addition,electrodes 120 and CPR meter 140 are pre-connected to portabledefibrillator 110, and connection wires stowed out of the way. Thus, theoperator may begin deploying the equipment immediately upon opening thecase.

FIG. 2 b also shows a set of spare electrodes 122 stowed out of sightbehind a panel formed in lid tray 820. It is understood that lid tray820 may be integrated with and form part of lid interior region 310instead of being a separate removable component.

Turning now to FIG. 2 c, additional cardiac rescue components fastresponse kit 160 and pediatric mode key 180 are shown stowed forimmediate deployment in lid interior region 310. Fast response kit 160may be completely removable as a kit from carrying case 100 for openingelsewhere in the rescue. Pediatric mode key 180 may be press-fit into asimilarly shaped indentation in lid tray 820, as shown, and/or may beconnected to carrying case 100 via a retractable tether stowed behindthe lid tray 820 panel. When portable defibrillator 110 is to be used ona pediatric patient, the operator simply inserts pediatric mode key 180into a pediatric mode changing slot 113. Portable defibrillator 110senses the insertion and changes into a pediatric mode of operation.

FIG. 2 c also shows the disposition of light pipe 700 over ready statuslight 111. When lid 300 is shut, light pipe 700 overlays ready statuslight 111. Any indicator light signal on ready status light 111 is thentransmitted through light pipe 700 to the exterior of portabledefibrillator 110 for ease of viewing without having to open the case.

Referring to FIG. 3 a, an embodiment of a latch assembly 500 forcarrying case 100 is illustrated. Latch assembly 500 comprises arelatively flat latch pull 510 having a beveled spur 511 for engaging acorresponding beveled catch 211 disposed on base wall 212. Latchassembly 500 also comprises a latch plate 514 which slidably translatesrelative to latch pull 510 against latch spring 516. A portion of latchplate 514 extending below latch pull 510 serves as a manual operatingsurface to compress the latch plate 514 against latch spring 516. Latchpull 510 is preferably constructed of a rigid and strong material, suchas metal or plastic, that can withstand impact and operational abuse.

FIG. 3 b illustrates the geometry and operation of latch assembly 500with carrying case 100 closed. In the closed position, the beveled spur511 and beveled catch 211 are held in compressive contact primarilythrough the holding tension of latch assembly 500 relative to base 200and lid 300. As shown in FIG. 3 a, latch hook 515 further engages baselock 213 formed in base wall 212 to securely hold the beveled spur 511against beveled catch 211. The combination of beveled spur 511 and latchhook 515 thus prevent the latch from popping open even if the case isdropped. FIG. 3 b also shows a preferred configuration of base wall 212,whose exterior surface is substantially co-planar with the latch pull510 exterior surface, except for the indented operating area just underbeveled spur 511.

FIG. 3 c illustrates the operation of latch assembly 500 to opencarrying case 100. The operator releases latch assembly 500 by pressingupward on latch plate 514 against latch spring 516, which in turnreleases latch hook 515 from base lock 213. The beveled spur 511 andbeveled catch 211 are suitably angled with respect to the base wall 212surface, so that upon the release of latch hook 515, the operator cansmoothly rotate latch assembly 500 about latch pin 518 and away frombase wall 212 for opening. Thus, the opening operation can beaccomplished with one hand and in one motion. Upon subsequent release ofthe latch plate 514, latch spring 516 returns latch plate 514 to itsinitial position which is ready for closing.

Further inspection of FIG. 3 also shows how latch assembly 500 is closedand locked. To latch carrying case 100 closed, the operator merelypresses latch pull 510 about latch pin 518 until the angled interiorsurface of latch hook 515 and the upward-facing angled surface ofbeveled catch 211 are in contact. The operator firmly presses latch pull510, thereby causing latch hook 515 to slide upward and along thecontact surface, opposed by latch spring 516, until latch hook 515engages into base lock 213. Alternatively, the operator may press upwardand then release latch plate 514, while pressing latch pull 510, tocause latch hook 515 to engage base lock 213.

Referring to FIG. 4 a, carrying case 100 preferably comprises a hinge400, similar to a floating hinge, for hingably connecting lid 300 tobase 200. Hinge 400 comprises an articulated body 414 which isinterposed between lid 300 and base 200. Articulated body 414 is in turnconnected to base 200 on each end by a bottom hinge pin 410, and also tolid 300 on each end by a top hinge pin 410. Articulated body 414 isconstructed of a rigid material which can add strength to the structurewhen carrying case 100 is closed, and can also add structural strengthto carrying case 100 when carrying case 100 is open. Articulated body414 is preferably made of the same material as base 200 and lid 300.Bottom hinge pin 410 and top hinge pin 410 are of stainless steel orsimilar material.

FIGS. 4 b and 4 c illustrate the operation of hinge 400 in the closedand open positions respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 4 b, hinge 400is disposed such that when carrying case 100 is closed, an articulatedbody 414 surface is flush to the surfaces of base wall 212 and 313. FIG.4 c shows carrying case 100 open. In the open position, both 313 andarticulated body 414 are rotated from their closed position, such thatan opposite articulated body 414 surface is flush to the open faces ofbase 200 and lid 300.

In addition to the advantages offered by the flush construction, hinge400 provides structural strength and protection to the hinge area formedbetween base wall 212 and lid wall 312. In addition, the articulatednature of articulated body 414 allows a limited amount of translationalshifting between base wall 212 and lid wall 312, such that the hingearea can absorb crushing forces, such as those incurred when beingdriven over or stepped upon, that may break other hinge designs. As canbe seen from inspection of FIGS. 4 b and 4 c, hinge 400 does so byallowing crushing forces to be distributed over the rounded surfaces ofbase wall 212 and 313 which contact articulated body 414 instead of inthe concentrated area of bottom hinge pin 410 and top hinge pin 410. Inthe open position, hinge 400 also allows the opposing surfaces of basewall 212 and 313 to counter crushing forces from above.

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of carrying case handle 600.The handle is comprised of a substantially rigid or semi-rigid material,like thermoplastic elastomer, which can flex but return to originalshape. Handle 600 is preferably rounded or arcuate to allow for quickdeployment without catching on other equipment. Shoulder strap pins 612for mounting an optional shoulder strap, the strap not shown, may bemolded into handle 600.

Handle 600 is attached to carrying case 100 as described previously andas seen in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 shows each end of handle 600 comprises ahandle anchor 610, which is formed to be flush-mounted to opposite sidesof carrying case 100 with known fasteners, not shown, such as screws orrivets. Flush-mounting may be completed by covering the fasteners withhandle anchor cover plates 613. Once so disposed, the entire silhouetteof carrying case 100 with handle 600, as viewed toward the lid top 314,presents a continuous smooth line which resists catching on adjacentmaterial when carrying case 100 is pulled from its storage location.

Now referring to FIGS. 6 a and 6 b, a closure seal 750 between base 200and lid 300 is described. In prior art carrying cases, protrudingelectrode wires could be damaged or severed when the lid wasinadvertently forced shut against the case base. To minimize damage towires in the unlikely event that carrying case 100 is inadvertently shutduring use, a closure seal 750 is formed in the opposing exposed edgesin base walls 212 and lid walls 312. A preferred embodiment of theclosure seal 750 is shown in the section view FIG. 6 b. Each lid wall312 edge that faces a base wall 212 edge comprises a lid seal edge 316that protrudes from and is offset from the exterior surface. A lidclosure stop, not shown, causes a serpentine gap between base 200 andlid 300 when lid 300 is closed, through which a protruding electrodelead wire 121 can pass without damage. If additional protection fromoutside elements is desired, each of base seal edge 216 and lid sealedge 316 may be lined with a flexible elastomeric material which fillsthe gap when the lid is closed, but which allows electrode lead wire 121to pass without damage.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a carrying case whichincorporates features that enable testing of the internal contents. Onesuch feature enables testing of the CPR Meter 140 during storage andprior to deployment so that the rescuer is confident that the CPR meterwill provide accurate instruction during use. Another feature enablesthe physical testing of the portable defibrillator 110 buttons, whichhas never been contemplated in prior art carrying cases. Such a test canperiodically confirm the proper mechanical operation of thedefibrillator shock button.

FIG. 9 a is a more detailed illustration of the CPR meter storagebracket 922 shown in FIGS. 2 a-c. Bracket 922 may be removably clippedinto carrying case 100 with a CPR meter bracket base mount 921. CPRmeter 140 is then clipped into CPR meter holding clip 923, which isoffset upward from the bracket base such that the face of the CPR meter140 is about coplanar with the face of the defibrillator 110 storedadjacent. Thus, both meter 140 and defibrillator 110 are immediatelyvisible to the user. In addition, the space under the stored CPR meter140 is available for storing other rescue items, such as a spare battery112.

Now referring to FIG. 9 b, an alternate embodiment of CPR meter storagebracket 922 comprises a CPR meter test fixture 924. Like CPR meterstorage bracket 922, CPR meter test fixture 924 is disposed to securelyhold CPR meter 140 during storage. CPR meter test fixture 924 differsfrom the previously described CPR meter storage bracket 922, however, bycomprising a test fixture base 925 and a vertically movable clip 926,connected with an internal spring means having a known spring constant,such as elastic band 927, coil spring, leaf spring, or underlyingcompressible material. Fixture base 925 is fixed to case bottom 200. CPRmeter 140 is removably attached to movable clip 926 similar to thatshown in FIG. 2.

CPR meter test fixture 924 with attached CPR meter 140 is disposed suchthat when lid 300 is closed, lid 300 compresses the CPR meter 140 andmovable clip 926 by a known and fixed distance, shown as “d” in FIG. 9.The internal spring means thus generates a known counterforce on the CPRmeter 140 force sensor as it is pressed against lid 300. An exemplarylevel of counterforce is about 4 kg, with a range of 2 kg-5 kg, with anexemplary fixed spring compression of 2 inches, with a range of between¾ inch-3 inches.

Portable defibrillator 110, when it awakens for self-testing under itsown internal periodic self-testing protocol, can be configured to alsoactivate the attached CPR meter 140 and receive a signal correspondingto the sensed force. By comparing the sensed force with the known force,the defibrillator 110 can determine whether the CPR meter force sensoris operating properly and within calibration. If not, defibrillator 110can generate a self-test failure alert.

With the carrying case lid 300 in the open position and thedefibrillator 110 activated for self-testing, the CPR meter distancesensing can be tested by CPR meter test fixture 924 as well. In thisembodiment, the difference in height between the CPR meter test fixture924 in the uncompressed and fully compressed positions is also known. Auser tests the CPR meter motion sensor by compressing the CPR meter 140and movable clip 926 to the fully compressed position. Defibrillator 110senses the CPR meter compression signal and compares it to the knowndistance. If the sensed and known distances differ in excess of anacceptable tolerance band, defibrillator 110 generates a self-testfailure alert. Of course, defibrillator 110 can be configured to aurallyand visually guide the user during the execution of this test.

An optional defibrillator push button tester 930 may also beincorporated into carrying case lid 300. FIG. 10 illustrates oneembodiment of the button tester 930, which comprises finger-likeactuators 932, 933 extending from the bottom of an actuator case 934mounted inside lid 300. Shock button actuator 932 is disposed such thatits end is positioned over the defibrillator shock button 114 when thelid is shut. Similarly, on/off button actuator 933 is disposed such thatits end is positioned over the defibrillator on/off button 115 when thelid is shut. Push button tester 930 also comprises a button testersensor 934 to sense a periodic activation signal, issued from theunderlying defibrillator when the defibrillator 110 awakes for aperiodic self test. Button tester sensor 934 is preferably a lightsensor or wireless sensor that senses a corresponding light or wirelesssignal that emanates from the defibrillator when it activates forself-testing. Push button tester 930 also comprises a button testerpower supply 935 such as a replaceable battery with sufficient energy tooperate periodically, preferably on a monthly basis, over an extendedperiod of time.

Push button tester 930 is disposed to receive the periodic activationsignal from defibrillator 110, such as by the flashing of ready statuslight 111, and subsequently extend actuators 932, 933 to press therespective underlying defibrillator push buttons. Defibrillator 110senses the resulting operation of the push button, by sensing a changeof continuity across the push button's electrical circuit, and passesthe result to the self-test algorithm. If the defibrillator fails tosense an expected push button operation, it issues a self-test failurealert. Once the button self-test is complete, both defibrillator 110 andpush button tester 930 revert to a standby mode of operation to savebattery power.

Another embodiment of the defibrillator push button tester 930 requiresno coordination with the self-test activation of the defibrillator 110.In this embodiment, the push button tester 930 actuates the actuator932,933 on an independent schedule, and holds the actuator 932,933 down,i.e. button pressed, for a period of time long enough to overlap with adefibrillator self-test. The actuator 932,933 then releases for a secondperiod of time long enough to overlap with the next defibrillatorself-test. In this embodiment, the underlying defibrillator must onlysense the change in button position from one self-test to the next todetermine whether the button is operating properly.

Other variations within the scope of the aforedescribed invention willreadily occur to those skilled in the art. For instance, the orientationof the latch could be reversed such that latch assembly 500 is pinned tobase 200 instead of to lid 300. Other arrangements of the interiorcontents may be advantageous depending on the relative size and shape ofthe stowed components.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hinged carrying case for a portabledefibrillator having an open position and a closed position comprising:a rigid base having a base interior region bounded by four base sidewalls and a bottom surface; a rigid lid having a lid interior regionbounded by four lid side walls and a top surface; a hinge having astructural support surface, the hinge disposed on one base side wallconnecting the base to the lid; a latch assembly disposed on a side ofthe carrying case opposite the hinge side wall for holding the lid tothe base in the closed position; a handle with two ends, the handledisposed on a second side of the carrying case adjacent both of thehinge and the latch assembly; and a plurality of interior compartmentsdisposed in the base interior region and the lid interior region,wherein the portable defibrillator is located in the base interiorregion, wherein the lid, base and hinge are disposed such that the lidand base are substantially co-planar when the carrying case is in theopen position.
 2. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the lid side wallheight and the base side wall height are substantially equal.
 3. Thecarrying case of claim 1 wherein the hinge is a double acting hinge. 4.The carrying case of claim 3 wherein the double acting hinge structuralsupport surface comprises a convex surface that contacts correspondingconcave surfaces of both a base side wall and a lid side wall.
 5. Thecarrying case of claim 4, wherein the double acting hinge distributescompression forces over the concave surfaces of both the base side walland lid side wall when the carrying case is open.
 6. The carrying caseof claim 3, wherein the double acting hinge surface is flush to thesurface of both the rigid lid and the rigid base.
 7. The carrying caseof claim 1, wherein the hinge structural support surface is comprised ofa rigid polymeric substance.
 8. The carrying case of claim 7, whereinthe hinge structural support surface is connected to the base side wallwith a first hinge pin, and the hinge structural support surface isconnected to the lid side wall with a second hinge pin.